One of the most celebrated events in Goa is the Shigmo
festival. It is celebrated all through Goa in a grand
manner. The Shigmo festival in Goa lasts almost a fortnight
and is celebrated with much joy and fervor among the Goans.
The Shigmo festival is known as Shigmotsav in Goa. It is
similar to the festival known as Holi that is celebrated in
north India. People enjoy this festival by playing with
colored powder and water with friends and relatives.

The Shigmo festival is celebrated around March every year
and the dates vary according to the Hindu calendar that is
based on lunar cycles. It is celebrated just before the
Catholic time period of lent during which fasting and
abstinence from alcohol and other vices is observed.

Since the period of
lent lasts almost a month, the Shigmo festival is celebrated
to indulge in merry making "one last time". The Shigmo
festival starts with the appearance of the moon on the ninth
day and ends on the full moon day.

Shigmo festival is celebrated by organizing large fairs and
parades in Goa. Many small communities and groups of people
come together and prepare colorful tableaux. They dress up
as colorful characters and take part in the processions
actively with much enthusiasm. Most of these tableaux are
based on mythology and many popular legends. Some tableaux
also depict important happenings depicted in the holy epics.
It is basically a time to enjoy to the hilt and indulge in
true festive spirit of Goa.